"Finnian, want me to throw you a bachelor party to celebrate a little?" Hogan asked.


    Finnian shook his head. "What''s the point? Are you just looking for something to do? You''ve got a business trip tomorrow-go home and get some rest."


    Hogan looked at Finnian, hesitating for a moment, but then said nothing more and left.


    He knew just how numb Finnian had beentely. He only wanted to check in on him and maybe find a way to lift his spirits.


    But seeing Finnian like this, Hogan realized there was nothing he could do to cheer him up, so he quietly left.


    After Hogan was gone, Finnian stood by the window, gazing out at the moon, a deep emptiness filling his heart.


    He was fully aware of how numb he''d be. He knew he needed to make a change, but he felt powerless to do anything about it.


    As the day drew nearer and he found himself unable to change anything, all he could feel was overwhelming misery and pain.


    The next day came the day of the pre-wedding dinner that Emma was hosting for Finnian and Liliana. From one o''clock in the afternoon, the Everly family estate was bustling with activity.


    The staff were busy making preparations: some were decorating the grand hall, others were working in the kitchen to get the food ready. Emma had even invited several Michelin-starred chefs to help, and the whole house was alive with a festive, joyful energy.


    The dinner wasn''t scheduled to officially begin until six, but by a little after four, many of the important guests had already arrived.


    Liliana and her parents, Ethan and Jenny Porter, were among the main figures of the evening and, of course, had arrived early.


    Even Andrew, who rarely attended family gatherings, had been pulled along by Emma. And Finnian, being the groom-to-be, was present from the start.


    The family members were busy on the first floor, with some greeting guests at the door and others entertaining people in the hall.


    Given Finnian''s status, many prominent guests from various circles came over to talk to him, and he greeted each one politely.


    His expression remained distant, which led some people to specte that he wasn''t happy about the marriage. Emma was always nearby to smooth things over exining that Finnan was ist always dike this naturally reserved and aloof. Finnian overheard her but didn''t bother to correct her; he didn''t have the energy for it anymore.


    By five-thirty, almost everyone had arrived, and the hall was bustling with excitement.


    At that moment, Mr. Kevin Everly came down the stairs, with Lisa on his left and Amara on his right. The three of them descended together, drawing everyone''s gaze.


    The sight of Amara beside Mr. Kevin Everly stunned the guests. Wasn''t that Amara, Finnian''s ex-wife? What was she doing at his pre-wedding dinner? Wasn''t this terribly awkward?


    Amara stood quietly beside Mr. Kevin Everly, taking in the crowd in the banquet hall.


    Following Mr. Kevin Everly''s wishes, she wore subtle, elegant makeup and a simple but sophisticated cocktail dress-perfect for the asion, tasteful without being shy.


    As soon as Amara appeared, the attention in the room shifted entirely to her. All eyes were on her, taking in her appearance from head to toe and quietly remarking on her beauty.


    Seeing this, both Emma and Liliana''s expressions darkened.


    Why was Amara here?


    Liliana had originally intended to


    invite Amara to the wedding


    ceremony itself. On that day, she would be standing on the altar in her borate wedding gown-the


    undeniable center of attention Amara would simply be another guest in the crowd, unable to draw away the spotlight from the bride and groom.


    But tonight was just the pre-wedding dinner. Liliana''s dress wasn''t much more formal than Amara''s, and in terms of looks, Amara outshone herpletely. The moment Amara walked in, no one was looking at Liliana anymore.